Method of playing chess using cards

ABSTRACT

A method of playing a modified game of chess. A chess board is provided together with a set of chess pieces positioned on the board in the standard fashion. A deck of cards is further provided, each card having a chess piece depicted thereon. Players select, in turn, a card at random and move a chess player corresponding to the chess piece depicted on the randomly selected cards sequentially until the modified game of chess is completed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon provisional application Ser. No.60/570,857 filed on May 13, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to board games, and moreparticularly pertains to a new and improved combination game combiningstrategy and chance, and still more particularly to a chess game whereinmovement of particular piece is driven by player selection of cards froma shuffled deck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of chess is one of the most challenging and respected games ofstrategy. When the game is played by highly skilled players or grandmasters, games can continue for hours and sometimes days. Movement ofthe pieces is governed by carefully planned and executed, butnonetheless flexible, strategies for deploying power and protectingassets. There are no constraints on player movement other than the givenrules of the game and the particular configuration of the board at anytime. Naturally, a player will select piece movement based on his or herown developing strategy and the understanding or hunch he or she hasconcerning the opponent's strategy or counter strategy. It couldscarcely be said that chess, when conventionally played, is a game ofchance. On the contrary, it is entirely a game of strategy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves a method of playing a modified game ofchess. The method comprises providing a chess board and a set of chesspieces positioned on the chess board and a deck of cards. Each carddepicts a chess piece and said method comprises players selecting, inturn, a card at random and moving a chess player corresponding to thechess piece depicted on said randomly selected cards sequentially untilsaid modified game of chess is completed. In the standard fashion, thegame is completed when either one player capitulates or a player suffersa checkmate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the game board of the present invention; and

FIGS. 2-14 are schematic views showing representative cards comprisingthe general deck of cards utilized in the method of the play of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of playingchess that introduces an element of chance in a novel fashion. It doesso through the use and selection of cards that dictate the piece orpieces a player may move. Accordingly, the present invention provides aboard game of chess utilizing a deck of cards bearing symbolsrepresenting the various chess pieces. The board is identical to aconventional 64-square chess and checker board, as shown in FIG. 1, andthe pieces and initial configuration of the pieces on the board isidentical to that of a conventional game of chess. The columns on theboard are numbered 1 through 8, proceeding from each player's left toright. Alphabetical row numbering as shown may also be used, as inconventional chess nomenclature, to describe and identify a squareoccupying the intersection of a column and a row, but it is notessential to the play of the game. Additionally, rules governing thepossible movements by the pieces is the same as conventional chess, asare the objects of the game, the way in which pieces are captured, andthe way in which the game is won.

However, unlike conventional chess, in the game of the presentinvention, piece movements are dictated by the selection of a card froma 52-card deck. Accordingly, a deck of cards is provided at thebeginning of the game. The cards bear symbols or pictures representingthe various chess pieces, FIGS. 2-14. The deck includes the following:(1) four cards being a pawn symbol (FIG. 2) combined with the number 1(denoting the No. 1 column of squares as viewed from the player who hasselected the card); (2) four cards bearing a pawn symbol combined withthe number 2 (FIG. 3); (3) four cards bearing a pawn symbol combinedwith the number 3 (FIG. 4); (4) four cards bearing a pawn symbolcombined with the number 4 (FIG. 5); (5) four cards bearing a pawnsymbol combined with the number 6 (FIG. 7); (7) four cards bearing apawn symbol combined with the number 7 (FIG. 8); (8) four cards bearinga pawn symbol combined with the number 8 (FIG. 9); four cards bearing abishop symbol (FIG. 10); four cards bearing a knight symbol (FIG. 11);four cards bearing a rock symbol (FIG. 12); four cards bearing a queensymbol (FIG. 13); and four cards bearing a king symbol (FIG. 14). Thenumber of cards in the deck totals 52.

To commence play, the board is set up in the conventional fashion andthe deck of cards is thoroughly shuffled. The deck is then set to theside of the board and the player first to play is determined. Thatplayer selects the top card from the deck. If the piece indicated on theface of the card may be moved, the player must move it as possibleaccording to the rules of chess. (Unlike conventional chess, a playermay even move his king into check or move another piece that places hisking into check.) If the first player draws a card representing a piecethat cannot be moved, play passes to his opponent and the opponentproceeds in the same fashion. The course of play proceeds back and forthas each player draws a card, moves a piece (when possible), orrelinquishes a turn when necessary. When the last card in the deck hasbeen selected, the deck is simply reshuffled and replaced at the side ofthe game board, and play resumes. Play continues until a king iscaptured.

The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill inthe art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode ofpracticing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. Whilethere is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferredembodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the inventionto the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operationshown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions,changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the artand may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spiritand scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternativematerials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms,functions, operational features or the like.

1. A method of playing a modified game of chess comprising providing achess board and a set of chess pieces positioned on said chess board anda deck of cards, each card having a chess piece depicted thereon, saidmethod comprising players selecting, in turn, a card at random andmoving a chess player corresponding to the chess piece depicted on saidrandomly selected card sequentially until said modified game of chess iscompleted.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said chess board is astandard board of eight rows and eight columns having 64 positions. 3.The method of claim 2 wherein said rows and columns are numbered orlettered to identify each of said 64 positions.
 4. The method of claim 3wherein said cards further display said numbers or letters to furtheridentify those chess pieces to be moved by said players.
 5. The methodof claim 1 wherein if a player is unable to move a chess piece inresponse to a randomly selected card, that player loses a turn and anopposing player is then provided an opportunity to select a card andmove corresponding chess piece, if possible.